Brazilian blowout: what to expect before, during, and after the treatment

If you have ever arrived at the salon with hair puffed up by Bogotá’s humidity and thought you needed a more lasting solution than flat-ironing every morning, you have probably already heard of the Brazilian blowout. It is one of the most requested hair treatments in recent years, and for good reason: it delivers visible results without permanently altering the hair’s structure. But it also raises a lot of questions, some perfectly reasonable doubts, and sometimes expectations that do not always match reality.

This article is not a product sheet or a sales pitch. It is a practical guide written from hands-on experience working with different hair types, so you can arrive at your appointment well-informed and make decisions with confidence. We will walk through how the treatment works, what to consider before getting it done, what the session itself is like, and — above all — how to care for the result at home so it lasts as long as it should.

Bogotá’s climate does not make life easy for hair: the altitude, the temperature swings between day and night, and the intermittent humidity make frizz a daily struggle for many people. A Brazilian blowout is not the only solution, but it is one of the most comprehensive when applied correctly and with the right formula for each hair type.

What a Brazilian blowout really is and how it works on your hair

The name “Brazilian blowout” became a catch-all term for hair treatments that use keratin — the protein already found in your hair’s natural structure — to fill the fiber, seal the cuticle, and reduce volume and frizz. It is not a chemical straightener in the traditional sense: it does not break the hair’s bonds the way a permanent relaxer or a perm does. It works on the surface and interior of the cuticle, not on the cortex.

The formula is applied section by section to clean, dry, or slightly damp hair, depending on the product. It is then sealed with a high-temperature flat iron, which is what locks the keratin inside the hair fiber. That heat is essential: without it, the treatment does not activate properly.

There is a wide variety of formulas on the market, with different concentrations and different active ingredients. Some contain formaldehyde or its derivatives, which are the ones that generate the most controversy from a health standpoint. Others are formulated with alternatives such as glyoxylic acid or acetic acid, which produce fewer fumes and are gentler on the hair and on the person applying the treatment. The choice of formula is not a minor detail — it must be tailored to the hair’s condition, the desired result, and the ventilation of the space where the service is performed.

Who is a good candidate — and who we would advise to wait

The Brazilian blowout is versatile: it works on straight hair that wants to eliminate frizz, on wavy hair that wants to soften the wave without losing it entirely, on curly hair that wants to reduce volume, and on very curly or afro-textured hair that wants greater manageability. Results differ across hair types, and understanding that before you arrive with a fixed expectation is important.

On straight or slightly wavy hair, the effect is usually very noticeable from the first session: the hair comes out shiny, smooth, and with very little frizz. On curly or very curly hair, the treatment significantly softens and reduces volume, but does not always achieve a completely straight result — especially on tightly coiled textures. This is not a flaw in the treatment; it is simply the nature of those hair types and the way keratin interacts with them.

There are situations where a Brazilian blowout is not the best option at that moment. If the hair is heavily damaged from frequent bleaching, has had a recent perm, or is in the middle of a natural hair transition, it is better to focus on restoring the fiber first before adding another process. Very porous or brittle hair can react unpredictably to the intense heat of the flat iron. The pre-service assessment is not a formality — it is part of the service itself.

What the session looks like, step by step

The session begins with a thorough wash using a clarifying or residue-removing shampoo. The goal is to strip away any leftover styling products, silicones, or mineral buildup from water that could interfere with the keratin’s adhesion. This step matters more than it might seem: hair with residue does not absorb the treatment evenly.

The hair is then dried and the keratin is applied section by section, making sure each strand is thoroughly coated. Processing time varies by formula: some require the product to sit for several minutes before flat-ironing, while others can be ironed immediately. The flat iron is passed over each section multiple times at high temperature — this is the point in the process where the most heat is generated. Good ventilation in the space is essential, not just for comfort but for safety.

At the end, some protocols include a second wash to remove excess product, while others leave the hair sealed without rinsing. This depends on the type of formula used. A complete session can take anywhere from an hour and a half to more than three hours, depending on the length, thickness, and density of the hair. It is not a service that can be rushed without affecting the result.

The aftercare steps that truly make a difference

Aftercare for a Brazilian blowout is just as important as the treatment itself. The keratin needs time to finish sealing inside the cuticle, and what you do in the first few days largely determines how long the effect will last.

The most important step is switching to a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Sulfates are the most common cleansing agents in conventional shampoos — highly effective at removing dirt and oil, but they also open the hair cuticle with every wash. On keratin-treated hair, that accelerates product loss and significantly shortens how long the effect lasts. Look on the label for terms like “sulfate-free” or check that ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate are absent.

Heat from a blow-dryer or flat iron also affects the treatment’s longevity if used without thermal protection. Always apply a heat protectant before using any hot tools. In addition, try to avoid tying your hair up with elastic bands or rubber ties in the first few days, as they can leave creases that set while the keratin is still settling. Fabric hair ties or seamless options are a better choice if you need to pull your hair back.

Brazilian blowout and hair color: how to combine them without compromising results

One of the most common questions we receive at Aqua Belleza Spa is whether you can color your hair before or after a Brazilian blowout. The short answer is yes, but the order and the time between services matter.

The most recommended approach is to do the color first and wait at least one to two weeks before the blowout. This gives the cuticle time to settle after the coloring process and allows the blowout to work on more stable hair. If the order is reversed — meaning you want to color after the blowout — wait a minimum of two weeks to avoid interfering with the keratin seal. Coloring too soon can open the cuticle prematurely and shorten the treatment’s duration.

Some combinations require extra care. Bleached hair or hair with very light highlights is more porous and may absorb keratin unevenly. In those cases, the pre-service assessment is especially important for adjusting the product concentration and application time. It is not that it cannot be done — it just needs to be done with greater care and the right formula.

How often to get the treatment and how to keep hair healthy between sessions

A Brazilian blowout is not a treatment that should be repeated too frequently. On average, the effect lasts between three and five months, and that is the natural interval for a new application. Repeating it before the effect has fully faded adds no benefit and can unnecessarily build up product inside the hair fiber.

Between sessions, the hair benefits from nourishing and deep-hydration treatments. A deep cleanse with a clarifying shampoo every four to six weeks helps remove accumulated buildup without affecting the blowout, as long as it is not used too often. Protein masks and hydration masks work well together: protein masks strengthen the fiber, while hydration masks maintain the hair’s flexibility so it does not become stiff or brittle.

If the hair starts showing signs of damage — such as very split ends, excessive porosity, or loss of elasticity — it is better to pause the blowout and focus on recovery before the next session. Healthy hair responds better to the treatment and holds the result longer. If you have questions about your hair’s condition or want to know whether this service is right for you, you can browse the hair services available at Aqua Belleza or reach out through our contact page to get your questions answered before booking.

For those near the Calle 98 area in Bogotá, at Aqua Belleza Spa we include the pre-service assessment as part of the process — not as an optional step. We believe a great result starts long before the keratin bottle is opened.

When you are ready to take the next step, you can check current pricing on the Services page and book your appointment directly on the Reservations page.

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